Yuma

The future expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS Yuma (EPF 8) successfullly completed Acceptance Trials on Jan. 26 after two days of underway evaluation in the Gulf of Mexico. The ship returned to the Austal USA shipyard after demonstrating the readiness of its equipment and system operations for the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey. By conducting numerous tests, both dockside and underway, surveyors were able to evaluate and determine that the ship met all criteria required for final acceptance, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) said in a news release. "The EPF program continues to be a successful model of serial ship production," said Capt. Henry Stevens, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO), Ships. "The class continues to grow and advance the U.S. Navy, expanding U.S. presence across the maritime theater. I look forward to seeing EPF 8 deliver this year and the continued success of the program.”